For more than a decade, Airbnb reshaped the way people travelled, offering unique stays in homes, lofts, treehouses, converted trains and more. The disruptive company promised users authenticity and affordability, and for some time the platform seemed unstoppable. Many enjoyed the concept of how Airbnb connected guests with locals, offering a chance to see the world through someone’s actual lived experiences. However, once hailed a trailblazer for changing how travellers book short-term rentals (STRs), Airbnb faces backlash.
From the undeniable impact on housing affordability globally, the surge of overtourism, and growing user dissatisfaction, the cracks in the STR model are becoming impossible to ignore. Cities like Barcelona, New York and locally in Cape Town, have introduced regulations or taxes, underscoring how STR properties shrink the availability of long-term rentals from permanent residents. With mounting frustrations over lacklustre service, hotels are regaining favour among travellers seeking ease and reliability.
Here’s why travellers are ultimately making a return to classic hotel hospitality:
Travellers the world over have grown weary. Stories of misleading STR listings, inconsistent quality and even hidden costs such as for cleaning services, have chipped away at their appeal. The promise of “living like a local” sometimes translates into navigating confusing check-ins, dealing with absent hosts, or expectations of chores like taking out a rubbish bin before departure. All of which would not be the case with a hotel stay.
On community-driven social media platform, Reddit, a viral travel thread aptly titled “Have we officially reached the point where Hotels are superior to Airbnbs again?” echoes these frustrations. Users shared candid experiences that highlight why hotels are regaining favour.
One user, posting under the name Cheeseoholics, explained: “I stopped using them years ago. Between what they are doing to the cities and rural communities, the deep clean required plus the cleaning charges plus other extras, the cameras and that they are often more expensive than hotels – no thanks.”
Another, Mushrooming247, emphasised the value of hotel perks: “Unless I’m going to be somewhere for weeks and want to do laundry and cook meals, a hotel will win every time for being cheaper than Airbnbs after all of their fees, plus having someone make the bed and empty the garbage and bring me new towels every few days. Plus I’m in all of the hotel rewards programs so I sometimes get to upgrade my room just with points, or even get a free upgrade.”
And in a succinct summary, thentheresthattoo wrote: “Hotels offer better service and more consistency and less rude surprises.”
For many, the convenience and reliability of hotels suddenly appears far more attractive than STRs.
Looking ahead, hotels can thrive by leaning into the very qualities STRs struggle to deliver. “The success of the hotel industry rests on timeless pillars: attentive and friendly service, seamless operations, a sense of security, full amenities such as a spa, gym and pool, and loyalty programs that transform into lasting relationships,” explains David Campbell, General Manager at Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town.
Hotels continue to reinvent themselves, with many embracing the digital age with gusto. Some hotels now offer effortless bookings via sleek apps, flexible cancellation policies, and mobile check-in options that rival the convenience of STRs. Guests are able to glide from reservation to room without the hassle of confusing host instructions and clunky key exchanges.
“Furthermore, hotels have shed their cookie-cutter image by weaving local flavour into their design and guest experiences,” shares Campbell.
At Protea Hotel Fire & Ice! Cape Town the walls by the hotel’s ground floor lifts are adorned by art made by children at Lalela Project – an award-winning NPO providing educational arts for youth from under-resourced communities. “Lalela” is an isiZulu word that means “to listen”, and it is at the heart of what the NPO does. The artworks were created by learners in after-school programmes, where the children explored interconnectedness through embroidery, tapestry and paper mosaics. The art reflects unity, inclusivity and empowerment – it’s part of the hotel’s broader commitment to shaping the city’s cultural identity.
Perhaps the most decisive advantage towards a return to classic hotel hospitality lies in loyalty programs. According to the State of Hotel Loyalty 2025, hotel loyalty membership surged to 675 million members in 2024 – marking a 14.5% increase year-on-year. Major brands are evolving beyond points-based systems into lifestyle ecosystems, offering immediate value through perks like free upgrades, late check-outs, and exclusive experiences. “For frequent travellers, loyalty programs create a sense of belonging and tangible rewards that STRs simply can’t replicate,” Campbell concludes.
Ultimately, as grievances with STRs mount globally, hotels are reclaiming their place. For today’s discerning traveller, hotels remain reliable with professional service, offer comfortable amenities, consider cultural touches and deliver real value. Where trust and ease outweigh novelty, classic hotel hospitality is here to stay.
